The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing global lock-down as governments try to slow the spread of the corona virus has tested individuals and institutions around the world. Since March of 2020, the ACG has stepped up its digital programming by hosting webinars and video discussions which bring together policy makers and thought leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss some of the key issues shaping transatlantic relations in an unprecedented time. In addition to organizing events on its own, the ACG has also partnered with other organizations such as 1014 and Atlantik-Brücke to launch new series designed to reach beyond the ACG community.
On September 15, acclaimed biographer Kati Marton, author of “The Chancellor,” a riveting political biography and an intimate human story of Chancellor Merkel’s rise and reign, in conversation with President of the American Council on Germany Steven E. Sokol. The two experts weave together decades of German political history to wrestle with the pressing question of where Germany is headed in a post-Merkel era.
On September 14 ACG President Steve Sokol moderated a conversation with Stefan Kornelius, Political Editor at the German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung, about Chancellor Merkel’s legacy, the outlook for the elections, and the likely implications for Germany of this historical leadership transition. This event is hosted by the Cleveland Council of World Affairs.
On September 20 the ACG talked with Dr. Cornelius Hirsch, an Intelligence Analyst with POLITICO Europe and a co-founder of pollofpolls.eu which was acquired by POLITICO, about the polls leading up to the German election on September 26th and in the last days of campaigning.
On September 20 the ACG had a discussion about the television debate between the three candidates for Chancellor and what to expect in the final days before the federal election with ACG Young Leader alumnus Matthias Deiß, Deputy Director of ARD’s television studio in Berlin.
On September 15 the American Council on Germany had a discussion about the elements and priorities of a Green foreign policy with Bundestag member Dr. Franziska Brantner, who serves as the Spokesperson for European Policy and the Parliamentary Secretary of Alliance 90/The Greens’ parliamentary group. With thanks to Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung for supporting this event.